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12 Chicago-Area Bar & Restaurant Openings to Know

2017-07-14T16:22:40-05:00

A regularly-updated list of new restaurants and bars

July 14

ANDERSONVILLE— Dan Weiss has welcomed the 10th member of his Dollop family. Dollop Diner, with drinks from former Boltwood beverage director Keith Kreuser and Metropolis Coffee, is ready for customers. Dishes include chicken & waffles and an Asian pork Sloppy Joe, according to a news release. Status: Certified open, 5060 N. Clark St.

IRVING PARK— The former Mojo Bar & Grill has a new tenant. Raisu Japanese Fine Dining has taken over the space. There’s ton of sushi items and so far, folks seem to be enjoying the food. Status: Certified open, 2958 W. Irving Park Road.

LAKEVIEW— Brown Bag Seafood Co. has expanded to the North Side. It’s the third location, following a stand-alone location in The Loop and another inside Revival Food Hall. DNAinfo spoke with the owner who said she plans on opening a fourth in River North. Status: Certified open, 3400 N. Lincoln Ave.

LAKEVIEW— Maison Marcel, the new French restaurant/bakery/market that took over Melanthios Char House, is opening in time for Bastille Day. The menu includes salads, soups, healthy plates and tartines. Pastries include éclairs, Mille Feuille, Paris Brest, St. Honore, Cannelé de Bordeaux. Status: Opening at 5 p.m. on Friday, 3114 N. Broadway St.

LINCOLN PARK— Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises is still figuring out what to do with the Intro Chicago space, so why not open another virtual restaurant? Enter ASAP Poke, the delivery-only restaurant that serves cheffy poke bowls. Order via GrubHub. Status: Certified open.

WEST LOOP— There’s a new coffee shop with doughnuts, English muffins, and sandwiches in the West Loop. It’s a family-owned spot called Ground Up Cafe. Status: Certified open, 910 W. Van Buren St.

‏‎Ground Up Cafe‎‏

SOUTH LOOP— A new entry to the poke wars in Chicago promises Japanese-focused dishes. Poke Poke offers salads, sushi burritos, and more. There’s even different proteins including octopus. Status: Certified open, 118 S. Wabash Ave.

WEST GARFIELD PARK— Caribbean Jerk Chicken Palace has a second location. Turkey tips, pizza, jerk nachos and more is available at the new spot. Status: Certified open, 282 N. Pulaski Road.

BERWYN— More like “Beerwyn,” right? Flapjack Brewery is serving thin-crust pizza and fresh beer in Berwyn’s Historical Depot District. Status: Certified open, 6833 Stanley Ave., Berwyn.

LONG GROVE— There’s a new brewery in the suburbs. Check out Buffalo Creek Brewing. It specializes in German and Belgian beer. It will have an opening celebration with music on Saturday. Status: Opening on Saturday, 360 Historical Lane, Long Grove.

NAPERVILLE— The suburbs now have another one of those fancy Starbucks Reserves, according to the Naperville Sun. It moved from Jefferson and Main. Status: Certified open, 203 S. Main St.

NAPERVILLE— That same Naperville Sun report mentioned a new spot, SixtyFour-A Wine Bar. There are 64 glasses of wine available, and food from Patrick McLaughlin, formerly of Parkers' Restaurant and Bar in Downers Grove. Status: Certified open, 123 Water St.

June 30

ALBANY PARK— There’s a new restaurant inside the former VIP Restaurant. It’s out with Chinese and in with Am Thai. The restaurant’s menu features a familiar lineup of favorites. Status: Certified open, 3254 W. Montrose Ave.

Posted by Am Thai Restaurant on Thursday, January 19, 2017

AVALON PARK— After demolishing the old restaurant, White Castle has opened a new restaurant that features WiFi, flat screens, and other modern amenities. The Tribune had details of this rebirth. Status: Certified open, 1550 E. 79th St.

LAKEVIEW— Rewired Cafe has taken over for Wired Coffee House on a construction-ravaged stretch of Broadway. Daniel Barat and Jimmie Swaggerty are pouring Metropolis coffee and serving pastries from Velvet Desserts —which are made just south of the cafe at Lakeview Kitchen & Market. Swaggerty has some pull at Graham Crackers Comics down the street. That enables Rewired to host a weekly comic book pop-up. Status: Certified open, 3508 N. Broadway St.

LAKEVIEW— While the restaurant isn’t full operational, Kitchen 17 has quietly opened the new location. The old one around the corner is still open, at least temporarily, as the larger digs still needs to secure a liquor license. Kitchen 17 is a favorite among vegan, and serves a dairy-free and meatless version of Chicago deep-dish pizza. Status: Certified open, 3132 N. Broadway St.

Ashok Selvam

Kitchen 17 doesn’t have signage yet.

LOGAN SQUARE— Crews have been working long hours to prepare for the opening of Chicago’s second pour-your-own-beer bar. Navigator Taproom has passed inspections and should be open in time for the holiday. Status: Opening on Monday, 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave.

The last 96 hours has been around the clock work by 6 crews and our family/friends to get the place ready for final...
Posted by Navigator Taproom on Friday, June 30, 2017

NOBLE SQUARE— Korean curries and soups are on the menu at Kimchi Pop. There’s even a Korean breakfast burrito. Status: Opening on Saturday, 939 N. Ashland Ave.

Posted by Kimchi Pop on Wednesday, May 31, 2017

NORTH CENTER— Anna’s Asian Bistro has been replaced by Ruyi Sushi. Ruyi is gaining steam for a $20 all-you-can-eat special. It was introduced as monthly promotion, but perhaps management will extend the offer. Status: Certified open, 1804 W. Irving Park Road.

PORTAGE PARK— Ice cream, popsicles, and snacks are sold at Chelita’s Homemade Ice Cream. The ice creams are made on premises. Status: Certified open, 4442 N. Milwaukee Ave.

WEST LOOP— A cafe that serves small plates, cocktails, and pastries has opened in the West Loop. It’s called Taste222. Status: Certified open, 222 N. Canal St.

WEST TOWN— City Epicurean Events, a caterer and event planner, has opened a cafe. City Epicurean Cafe offers fresh doughnuts, muffins, cake, and alfajores. Status: Certified open, 2258 W. Grand Ave.

PARK RIDGE— A new fast-casual spot is open in Hillary Clinton’s hometown: Urban India Grill. Status: Certified open, 116 Main St., Park Ridge.

We are happy to announce we will be opening our doors on June 22 at 11 am. We look forward to serving you!
Posted by Urban India Grill on Saturday, June 17, 2017

SKOKIE— Another location of Real Urban Barbecue has sprouted up. After opening in Highland Park and Oak Brook, the chain expanded to Skokie where it serves breakfast tacos on the weekends. Breakfast is new for the chain. Status: Certified open, 5238 W. Touhy Ave.

Photos from our awesome Skokie grand opening celebration!
Posted by Real Urban Barbecue on Monday, June 26, 2017

June 23

BRONZEVILLE— Green City Market has expanded to the South Side. But get this—it’s inside a mall made out of shipping containers. The Tribune has the story of Boxville, a street food market that includes a french fry stand. Check out the website for more details. Status: Certified open, at CTA’s Green Line 51st Street stop.

Posted by Boxville on Thursday, May 4, 2017

EDGEWATER— Bibim Town is a new fast-casual Korean restaurant in Edgewater. It offers complimentary tea to customers. Status: Certified open, 5357 N. Broadway St.

GOLD COAST— The first of Michael Mina’s two restaurants has opened inside the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Petit Margeaux has room for 46 inside with 44 on the patio. The menu includes tartines, sandwiches, salads, a quiche of the day, and signature Mina coffee from LA’s LAMILL. There’s also beer and wine. Check out a photo and the menu below. Status: Certified open, Waldorf Astoria Hotel, 11 E. Walton Place.

Galdones Photography

Petit Margeaux

Petit Margeaux Menu by Ashok Selvam on Scribd

GOLD COAST— Whispers Cafe’s comeback is almost complete. The outdoor cafe, nestled inside Mariano Park, closed after the Chicago Park District brought in Bow Truss Coffee as the new tenant. But after the coffee shop’s well-documented problems, Whispers was given the chance to return. The grand opening happens on Saturday. Status: Opening Saturday, 1031 N. State St.

HYDE PARK/WOODLAWN— A new coffee shop at the South Side’s Experimental Station is working to host events with a variety of community groups. BUILD Coffee is serving drinks made from Halfwit Coffee and they’re also selling books. The shop is building a rapport with 61st St Farmers Market, which operate out of the same building, to use their produce. Ownership hopes to expand the food offerings, but for now it serves quiche and pie from Justice of the Pies. Status: Certified open, Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave.

Alex Jung

BUILD Coffee

LAKEVIEW— Bistro Dre has given way to yet another bagged seafood restaurant. It’s simply called Seafood on the Tables. Chicagoans know the drill: Pick a protein, sauces, and heat level. Servers bring the food to customers in plastic bags. Status: Certified open, 2965 N. Lincoln Ave.

LOYOLA— A new Jamaican restaurant has replaced a shuttered one near Loyola’s Rogers Park campus. Goat soup and jerk chicken are on the menu at Auntie Joy’s Jamaican Kitchen. The restaurant replaces Jerky Jerk. Status: Certified open, 1217 W. Devon Ave.

PRINTER’S ROW— Venerable Hackney’s has rebranded with a focus on craft beer and burgers. Hax: Hops & Hamburgers has arrived. Hopefully the WWE’s Triple H is a fan. Status: Certified open, 733 S. Dearborn St.

RAVENSWOOD— Ravenswood Q is closed and a new Colombian restaurant has taken over. Jirafa Restaurant caters to soccer fans and they’ve got quite a peculiarly-decorated beer tower. Status: Certified open, 1800 W. Irving Park Road.

If you haven't come in to try our Jirafa Beer Towers, today is the day! Come enjoy some ice cold beer on this hot Saturday
Posted by Jirafa Restaurant & Bar on Saturday, June 17, 2017

RIVER NORTH— Southern Cut Barbecue Cafe offers a truncated menu from pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen and the Chicago Cut guys’ Hilton Chicago Mag Mile Hotel restaurant by a similar name, according to the Tribune. It’s next to Ocean Cut and will offer office catering. Status: Certified open, 20 E. Kinzie St.

WEST LOOP— There’s a new sushi spot near Greektown in the West Loop. SuChi Sushi is a casual spot with a sushi bar that serves sushi burritos. Status: Certified open, 651 W. Washington Blvd.

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE— Looks like the original owners of Rangoli, who also own Humboldt Park’s Spice Room, have a new Indian restaurant on Taylor Street. It’s called Curry on Fire, and even though it sounds like a phrase from NBA Jam, the restaurant features a similar menu for North Indian classics. Status: Certified open, 1030 W. Taylor St.

MELROSE PARK— La Tequileria Premium Tequila Lounge has taken over El Estadio, a billiards club in the suburbs. It’s under the same family ownership and it’s been open since April. Status: Certified open, 2118 W. Lake St., Melrose Park.

OAK PARK— Salads, sandwiches, and tartines are on the menu at Léa French Street Food in the suburbs. The laminated pastries also look tasty. Status: Certified open, 106 N. Marion St., Oak Park.

Posted by Léa French Street Food on Wednesday, November 9, 2016

For a list of the 2017 spring openings, click here.

‘Time Out’ Takes a Trip Down Memory Lane at Split-Rail and More Reviews

2017-07-14T15:30:02-05:00

Plus critical looks at Daebak, 20 East, and The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet

Morgan Olsen channels her inner 8-year-old self at Split-Rail. The new restaurant from Zoë Schor offers “comforting and familiar” dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Chicken nuggets, which put “anything you can get at McDonald’s to shame,” are “expertly cooked” pieces of ground chicken encased in earth-shattering” fried batter. Like the perfect Friday night, dunking them in the house-made honey-mustard sauce “requires no fork or dignity.”

Fajitas also get reimagined. Skirt steak mingles with roasted red pepper gelee and dots of creamy masa instead of tortilla. It’s a deconstruction that “matches the flavor profile of a sizzling fajita to a T—minus some of the guilt.” Other combinations aren’t as successful: An eggplant and ‘nduja finger sandwich is a “conundrum of competing tastes that [don’t] play nice together.” Dessert ends things on a high note, though, with a “simple but delightful” slice of angel food cake. On the cocktails side, the low-ABV section touts an “herbaceous stunner” called the Breakers that’s akin to “sticking your straw in a liquid garden on a hot summer day.” [Time Out]

The Lunatic, The Lover & The Poet is an affordable spot to get cozy with a glass of wine and some delectable plates. The wine selection includes around 200 bottles, 30 of which are available by the glass, and cocktails “are a strength as well” according to Phil Vettel. To complement the alcohol, fried smelt, mixed with fried zucchini and fried Meyer lemon, is an “ode to summer that’s like a miniature fish fry on a plate.” Wild prawns are a “wild and messy” delight served with deep-fried prawn heads while the $18 lamb rack has “excellent flavor, its brilliant-red meat contrasted by a deep-green ramp pesto sauce with a white dab of Greek yogurt.” For dessert, the cheese plates are “terrific” and a “wine-friendly finale.” [Tribune]

Daebak has its charms but the food leaves a lot to be desired. Mike Sula embarks on an adventure at the Korean barbecue restaurant in Chinatown and discovers a pricey menu of grilled meats. Thinly sliced rib eye and boneless short rib are of “decent quality” and the act of cooking and making wraps with them is a “methodical endeavor utterly unlike tearing away at a dino-sized porterhouse.” Pork, though, is marred by so much “shrinkage and mealiness” that it “simply isn’t worth the price or the effort.” Soups also disappoint as the spicy shredded beef soup is so bland that Sula wonders if Daebak is “targeting invalids rather than the cool kids of Chinatown.” Budak, spiced boneless chicken bits with melted cheese, is similarly an “insipid” version resembling “something more like a Denny’s skillet.” All in all, come for the K-pop but don’t expect to be blown away. [Reader]

20 East could be the winner that Talbott Hotel has been looking for, writes Graham Meyer. The menu features “basic dishes, yes, but adroit execution.” An American cheeseburger boasts a “juice-dripping” patty [that] could be a Fourth of July cookout star” and truffles help the mac and cheese go “just past by-the-numbers.” The prosciutto board offers “broadsheet-like” slices of ham alongside baguette ovals, Parmesan chunks, candied almonds, and more, while a “constructably delicious” smoked salmon board stars lox and Texas toast. Overall, “the restaurant may be a straight arrow, but it hits close to the center of the target.” [Crain’s]

Steak 48 Opens Today as the Mastros Storm Back to Chicago

2017-07-14T14:32:27-05:00

Try the Steak Farina at River North’s newest restaurant

Before visiting Steak 48 at 615 N. Wabash Ave, here’s a bit of advice: When a server sets down that sizzling plate, heaving with a 16-ounce bone-in ribeye, and says, “Please be careful. The plate is hot,” believe them. The new restaurant from the family that founded Mastro’s, opens to the public tonight in River North.

Those 500-degree plates of sizzling steaks were so lava-like at a Thursday night fundraiser that they seared holes into the white tablecloths of the serving trays. Like the original Mastro’s Steakhouse, which the Mastro family sold about 10 years ago, this new two-story steakhouse comes by way of Arizona. There it’s called Steak 44, a reference to the street address. There’s also a Steak 48 in Houston, a reference to Arizona being the 48th state in the union.

Customers enter by walking in down a long, dark corridor featuring a wall completely covered in aged meat cleavers. Yeah, it’s more grindhouse than steakhouse, but they’re firmly bolted to the walls, so don’t be scared.

Inside find a low-ceiling, boisterous front lounge to the left, a slightly more subdued dining room to the right, and a brightly lit kitchen dining room next to the raw bar that feels like the real party here. Head upstairs for more intimate lounge with orange tufted banquettes, and two more dining rooms, and a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking Wabash.

On the menu, which promises “responsibly farmed" and 28-day wet-aged beef.Diners will see that a 12-ounce New York strip will set them back $39, an 18-ounce bone-in filet mignon will costs $64. Other cuts, like the domestic Wagyu filet are listed as market price. Top those chops with truffle butter for $6, burrata for $7, and black truffle sautéed Maine lobster for $38. Other items included customizable seafood towers, Maryland-style crab cakes, whole King Crab clusters, lobster tails, and a bone-in veal chop.

The wine list offers 48 wines by the glass — touted as 9-ounce “Chicago-style pours” — and includes options like a 2015 The Prisoner Red ($28), a gem rarely offered by the glass.

Another notable nod to Chicago happens to come in the unlikely form of late actor and steakhouse habitué Dennis Farina. A friend of the Mastro family — and a regular customer — guests will see the Chicago cop-turned-Law & Order actor on a mural in a second story dining room, informally being referred to as, naturally, The Farina Room. Better yet, the menu offers a Steak Farina, which is a 12-ounce bone-in filet with a fried egg on top, one of Farina’s favorite ways to eat his steak.

And if the egg is too runny, diners can always just flip it onto the 500-degree plate and try to scramble it.

Is Steak 48 an improvement over the Mastro’s namesake steakhouse, located just a short walk away? Find out today when Steak 48 opens.

Steak 48, 615 N. Wabash Ave., (312) 226-4848, open 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; bar opens at 4 p.m. daily. Reservations available via OpenTable.

The Eater Chicago Cocktail Heatmap: Where to Drink Right Now, July 2017

2017-07-14T13:00:00-05:00

Behold the 16 hottest bars in Chicago

Beyond where to eat right now, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater often have another burning question: Where should I drink right now? While the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering the best standbys and neighborhood essential restaurants across the city and the Eater Heatmap highlights where the restaurant crowds are flocking to at the moment, the Eater Chicago Cocktail Heatmap shows the hottest bars and restaurants where cocktail, beer and wine aficionados are drinking right now.

July brings Chicagoans to the heart of summer drinking, patio and rooftop season, a glorious time when summer fun is in full swing. And patio-driven bars are obliging the season as two new Wrigleyville hotspots Lucky Dorr and Brickhouse Tavern, as well as a terrific restaurant to drink at (Proxi) come aboard the Cocktail Heatmap in its seventh update of 2017. Someone has to come off to make room, so hotspots Park & Field, Deadbolt, Larry's, and Alulu brewpub take the hit. Happy drinking.

Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley Plan to Bring Restaurant Chain to Chicagoland

2017-07-14T11:18:06-05:00

As many as 20 Rock & Brews could open in the Chicago area

Two members behind Kiss, the make-up clad rock band from the 70s known for songs like Detroit Rock City and I Wanna Rock ‘N’ Roll All Night, are also restaurateurs and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley want to bring their chain to the Chicago area. Simmons and Stanley, in town for a concert Friday in suburban Bridgeview, told the Tribune they’d like to open 10 to 15 restaurants and bring a corporate office to the area in the next five to seven years. Rock & Brews debuted in 2012 in Southern California and has grown to 20 locations.

Wings, salads, burgers, and craft beer are part of the formula at other locations. Simmons, who bears a legendary lengthy tongue, wasn’t tongue-tied during his interview. He’s rather confident that Rock & Brews will be successful in Chicago despite the fierce restaurant competition. “Either Chicago is America or it's not. Everywhere we've gone, it works beyond expectation. The only thing you could say is, it's not going to work here because we're in Zimbabwe,” Simmons told the Trib.

Ownership is still negotiating its first location and hopes to open it somewhere in the area next year. Simmons and Stanley want locations near O’Hare and Midway, so Bill Murray could have company in Rosemont. Expect lots of TVs, tons of Kiss merchandise for sale, and pictures of the band’s favorite musicians on the walls. Customers have drawn comparisons to the Hard Rock Cafe.

Rock & Brews may appeal to the same dad rock-loving crowd that piles into Kuma’s Corner. However, it remains to be seen if the burgers can match Kuma’s quality. Stay tuned for more.

Details on New Land & Sea Dept Restaurant That Debuts at Pitchfork and More Intel

2017-07-14T10:15:16-05:00

Plus, what else to eat at Pitchfork and Topolobampo goes tasting menu-only

— More than four years after taking over the former Ronny’s space at 2101 N. California Ave. in Logan Square, Land & Sea Dept. (Cherry Circle Room, Lost Lake, Parsons Chicken & Fish, Longman & Eagle) have revealed the name and some details of their long-awaited restaurant and bar — and will preview it this weekend at the 2017 Pitchfork Music Festival’s Pitchfork +PLUS section (entrance is available via an upgrade for $195 - $365). Named Lonesome Rose, ownership describes it in a statement as “a ‘borderlands‘ concept focusing on the rich cultural histories of the regional states of northern Mexico and the southwestern United States." Construction has been ongoing for at least two years on the former divey punk club, which will now include a rooftop patio, a new blue exterior, and drinks from cocktail star Paul McGee. A rep says they “don’t have an opening date nailed down yet,” but it should hopefully be sometime in 2017. Keep it here for more details as they become available.

— In addition to the Lonesome Rose preview, eaters will be well taken care of at Pitchfork this year. The +PLUS section also features food and drink from Parsons Chicken & Fish and Lost Lake, including Parsons’ ever-popular negroni slushy, chicken sandwich and hush puppies. Lost Lake will serve four items including a big eye tuna rice bowl and the "Granadilla Grog” cocktail (rum, pineapple, passionfruit, honey, lime). The many food vendors that are available without an expensive upgrade include Avec, Leghorn, Billy Goat Tavern, and many more. See the full list and general festival information here.

— In non-Pitchfork/Land & Sea Dept. news, Rick Bayless’ Topolobampo, the reigning James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Restaurant, is now tasting menu-only for dinner. The fine dining Mexican gem is now offers two five-course options (classic and seasonal) and a seven-course option dubbed “The Perfect Seven.” It also launched a new menu this week, Oaxaca — check out Bayless’ intro to it and photos of dishes here.

— Four Corners Tavern Group’s new two-floor patio-driven restaurant and bar at The Park at Wrigley is now officially named Budweiser Brickhouse Tavern, Crain’s reports. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission previously blocked the name because it may violate a longstanding state law about “tied houses,” but eventually approved it.

— Other major food happenings take place this weekend in addition to Pitchfork. A bunch of the city’s best Thai restaurants come together at the Thai Food Festival Chicago on Saturday and Sunday at 851 W. Irving Park Road. Traditional dance performances, Thai boxing, cooking demonstrations, and live music will happen, alcohol will be available, and entrance costs just a suggested donation. More info is here.

— And the annual barbecue and country music bonanza the Windy City Smokeout kicks off tonight and runs all weekend at Grand Avenue and the Chicago River. Look for an array of the city and country’s best ‘que, top country music artists, drinks, and more. More info and tickets, which start at $40 for one day, are this way.

— And finally, one of Randolph Row’s new hotspots kicks off brunch on Sunday. Ronero’s Latin-inspired brunch includes three themed buffet stations (breakfast, crepes and waffles, ceviches and tiraditos), and Esco Bar upstairs will have bloody Mary and mimosa carts.

Nutella-Dipped Churros Will Come to River North Before July Ends

2017-07-13T17:02:51-05:00

Barrio, The Siena Tavern guys’ newest “Top Chef”-feuled restaurant, will have a walk-up window when it opens on July 22

Barrio, the Mexican restaurant from the owners of DineAmic Group and Top Chef alum Katsuji Tanabe, is slated to open on July 22 at 65 W. Kinzie St. in River North with a surprise. It’ll have a take-out spot much like the Bombobar at DineAmic’s Bar Siena in the West Loop. They’re calling it La Bodega del Barrio and it’ll serve fresh tacos, coffees, juices, and Nutella-dipped churros.

The decadent churros, made in the same vein as the milkshakes at DineAmic’s Public House, maybe the star. A news release described a Nutella-dipped churro with mini-chocolate chips. There are also plans for ice cream tacos and breakfast tacos.

DineAmic’s Lucas Stoioff said he crowdsourced ideas for Bodega by talking to convenient store clerks in the area. He wants to stock better versions of what customers would find at those stores, products like wine, liquor, cigarettes, and snacks.

The entrance to Bodega’s walk-up window will be on the Clark Street side of the restaurant. In addition, Barrio has begun taking reservations via OpenTable. Check back next week for more to these additions to River North.

‘The Profit’ Features New Wicker Park Coffeeshop on TV As Bow Truss Lawsuit Continues

2017-07-13T14:30:02-05:00

There’s still no opening date for Red Beard

Though it was featured on Tuesday’s episode of The Profit, there’s still no opening date for Red Beard Coffee Traders, the Wicker Park coffeeshop that’s backed by TV host and entrepreneur Marcus Lemonis. Lemonis and Phil Tadros intended to open a Bow Truss Coffee Shop at 1948 W. North Ave., but the two had a falling out that led to multiple lawsuits. Tadros added another lawsuit to the pile last week when he sued Crain’s Communications for libel.

When his real estate flips flopped, this bearded entrepreneur began building a specialty coffee empire. Here's an update on Bodhi Leaf:
Posted by The Profit on Thursday, July 13, 2017

Lemonis and Tadros are scheduled to be in court on Aug. 1, according to Cook County records, and it appears Lemonis’ counter claim was withdrawn in May. Bow Truss’ demise seemingly provided an opportunity for Lemonis to partner with Red Beard. Lemonis didn’t immediately return an email seeking an update on the coffeeshop, which is a Midwest spinoff of Bodhi Leaf Coffee Traders, a Southern California coffee chain that started in 2009 and now has two cafes. Lemonis and Red Beard/Bodhi owner Steve Sims haven’t shared many details on their plans, as they don’t want spoilers for their TV show. Signage on the coffeeshop had declared a spring opening.

Here’s a few highlights from Tuesday’s episode:

Lemonis was immediately taken by Sims’ long red beard, wanting to build a new brand around it. That made Sims uncomfortable as he wanted to stay humble: “It was little hard for me to accept at first, and now we’re kind of excited about it, rolling with it.”
Sims was in tears when describing that Lemonis would pay Red Beard’s six employees 10 percent of his initial investment in the company. It’s unclear how much money that is, but the episode made it a point to feature how important taking care of employees is to Sims. That seems a stark contrast to how Lemonis painted Tadros, who is being sued by his ex-Bow Truss employees over pay: “Yeah [Lemonis is] in business to make money like we all are, but he also cares about the people that he’s with,” Sims said.
Lemonis talked about his branding efforts: “I really feel like there’s a way to make it feel crafty and specialty and be super premium opposed to ultra premium and I want to be build a new brand around [Sims].”
Chicago should only be their first stop. Lemonis and Sims want to scale Red Beard nationally.

Seven Upcoming Chicago-Area Restaurants and Bars to Know

2017-07-13T12:21:25-05:00

A regularly-updated list of forthcoming restaurants and bars

July 13

BEVERLY— The hype is building on the South Side where Open Outcry Brewing Co. is training employees on Thursday as the brewpub preps to open at 10934 S. Western Ave. DNAinfo spoke with owner John Brand.

BUCKTOWN— There’s movement inside the former Bucktown home of Honey 1 BBQ. Whistle Pig is the name of the restaurant slated to open in a couple weeks at 2241 N. Western Ave. They’ve got a Facebook page and promise a menu will come soon.

BUCKTOWN— Red Door closed in December at 2118 N. Damen Ave., and DNAinfo has info about its successor. Royal Grocer and Co. should open by the end of July. Co-owner Michael Hartmann also owns Stocks & Blondes in The Loop. They’ll have a rotating, veggie-friendly menu.

LOGAN SQUARE— Navigator Tap Room, Chicago’s second pour-your-own beer bar, has hit a bit of an opening snag. They were pegged to open earlier in the month, but instead the debut should happen soon at 2211 W. Milwaukee Ave. The Tribune has more details on the concept, including the focus on local beer. Navigator’s Tim Enarson told Eater Chicago they’re picking up their drink list this week.

WRIGLEYVILLE— Culver’s is trying to show Cubs fans that there’s room for chains while the team attempts to reshape the neighborhood with new development filled with higher-end dining options. DNAinfo has more on when Wrigleyville will get its hands on butter burgers at 3500 N. Clark St.

FOREST PARK— A suburban bar owner is throwing its hat into the race for best bar name. Hard Wood is a new gay bar coming to 7414 Madison St., reported the Forest Park Review. It should open in mid-July.

OAK PARK— Brick’s Pizza, with locations in Old Town and North Center, continues to expand. The Gruber family is planing their seventh location at 128 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park, according to Ric Gruber.

July 6

ALBANY PARK— Ravinia Brewing, the newest contender to make sense of the former Finch Kitchen/BreakRoom space, has passed inspections. The brewer will hopefully break the curse soon at 2925 W. Montrose Ave.

BUCKTOWN— Real Good Juice Co. is taking over part of the space that housed Feast for 20 years. A rep said it’ll open this summer at 2416 N. Damen Ave.

BUCKTOWN— Xuan Tea, a new tea bar at 1816 W. Milwaukee Ave., could open in a few weeks, according to DNAinfo. Ownership also launched a Kickstarter. They’re about halfway through their $30,000 goal with 14 days left in the campaign.

HUMBOLDT PARK— The Chicago Teachers Lounge and Eatery, a restaurant that wants to attract teachers, could open this month at 2525 W. Division St. DNAinfo has additional details.

LAKEVIEW— Maison Marcel, a new French bakery opening in the former Melanthios Char House space, will open, appropriately, on Bastille Day. July 14 is the opening day for the new restaurant at 3114 W. Broadway St., according to a rep.

LAKEVIEW— Demolition has finished on the Harmony Grill, the restaurant that neighbored legendary Chicago music venue Schuba’s. Curbed Chicago has renderings of Tied House, the replacement restaurant at 3159 N. Southport Ave.

LAKEVIEW— From the name, it appears the Gyros On The Spit space near Lincoln and Sheffield is going from Greek to Mexican. There’s a liquor license application for El Tequilla for the address at 2826 N. Lincoln Ave. There’s no Internet listing for the restaurant, but it appears to have no affiliation with the El Tequilla Night Club in suburban Melrose Park.

LINCOLN PARK— Goose Island Clybourn is going throught extensive renovations. The place has been gutted. It’s not known if the fabled brewpub will open in time to hit the targeted summer completion date. The brewpub at 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. closed in January for remodeling.

Ashok Selvam

LINCOLN PARK— Roti Modern Mediterranean continues its expansion. There is signage for a new location of the chain at an under-construction building at the Sheffield Commons’ parking lot on the 1600 block of Sheffield Avenue.

LOGAN SQUARE— It really is happening for Bo Fowler. The owner of Owen & Engine and Fat Willy’s Rib Shack in Logan Square keeps on posting progress on Bixi, her new Asian-inspired brewpub. Check out the latest from 2515 N. Milwaukee Ave.

I know it's just pictures of studded walls, but it makes the dream so much easier to visualize. All the sleepless nights are going to be worth it! #partyrooms #BiXi #brewery #2ndfloor

A post shared by Bo Fowler (@chef_isshe) on Jun 27, 2017 at 2:04pm PDT

PORTAGE PARK— Folks going crazy over Culver’s coming to Six Corners should know that the Wisconsin chain has just broken ground on a drive-thru location at 4949 W. Irving Park Road, according to DNAinfo. It could open in November.

RIVER NORTH— Chicago is close to getting yet another steakhouse as Steak 48, the newest chain to invade the city from the original owners of Mastro’s at 615 W. Wabash Ave., passed inspections and should open soon.

UKRAINIAN VILLAGE— A soul restaurant is coming to 1931 W. Chicago Ave....and it’s called Soule. DNAinfo has details.

WRIGLEYVILLE— The opening of Lucky Dorr —the craft beer-centric bar opening in front of Wrigley Field, inside the ballpark’s new outdoor plaza — will be delayed. Originally, the bar, from Matthias Merges’ Folkart Restaurant Management, was supposed to open today (July 6). There’s no word yet on a new opening date.

SOUTH LOOP— Essex On Park is ready to give the South Side a rare rooftop bar. The hotel will have a two-level rooftop bar at 808 S. Michigan Ave. Curbed Chicago has details.

SOUTH LOOP/SCHAUMBURG— Bibibop, the new Asian chain that’s opening 14 locations across the country (13 in former ShopHouses) should open in early August in Chicago and Schaumburg. It’s coming to 24 E. Jackson Blvd. and 1022 N. Meacham Road, according to a news release.

WEST GARFIELD PARK— A second location of Caribbean Jerk Palace will open on Saturday at 283 N. Pulaski Road, according to a Facebook post. It joins a 79th Street location.

NEW LOCATION WESTSIDE CHICAGO HERE WE COME GRAND OPENING COMING SOON 283 N. PULASKI
Posted by Caribbean Jerk Palace. on Monday, July 3, 2017

EVERGREEN PARK— Krispy Kreme is going to the south suburbs soon. The once stout doughnut chain is planning to open in September at 9150 S. Western Ave. in Evergreen Park. The suburban location is the second Krispy Kreme location in the Chicago area under this new wave of expansion, according to a news release.

OAK PARK— District Kitchen & Tap should open in October on the 200 block of Harrison Street, according to Pioneer Press. The restaurant is from the owners of Scratch Kitchen and Lounge in Forest Park and Scratch on Lake in Oak Park.

ORLAND PARK— Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers is coming to the southwest suburbs. The Wichita, Kansas-based chain is building its first Chicago-area location at 7402 W. 159th St., according to the Daily Southtown.

June 26

ANDERSONVILLE— Blu 57, that new Thai-fusion restaurant at 5701 N. Clark St., should open in July. DNAinfo spoke with the owners who shared more details.

AVONDALE— The team behind the Whistler in Logan Square have nothing new to report on their new project, codenamed Sleeping Village. But it appears in this photo they’ve made some significant progress on the patio at 3734 W. Belmont Ave.

A.J. LaTrace

AVONDALE— Metropolitan Brewing is getting close to opening the taproom at 3057 N. Rockwell St. They’ve been working on the taproom since 2015.

We've never been so ready to belly up to a bar in our entire lives. #metropolitanat3057 #brewerylife #taproom #taproomlife #almost
Posted by Metropolitan Brewing on Thursday, June 1, 2017

BEVERLY— The owners of an upcoming gourmet candy shop on the South Side have established a Kickstarter to raise money to open their storefront at 9927 S. Wood St. The shop is called Sweet Freaks. As of Monday they’ve raise more than $500 of their $5,000 goal. The campaign lasts through July 22. DNAinfo spoke with the owner who talked about their need for more space.

LAKEVIEW— Kitchen 17, one of Chicago’s favorite vegan restaurants is slowly working on their move around the corner at 3132 N. Broadway St. Apparently they’re still working on permits.

LAKEVIEW— That food hall from the Furious Spoon/FireFin Poke Shop company secured a battery of permits, according to Curbed Chicago. There will be a trio of bars and as many as 20 vendors inside the building at 3833 N. Broadway St.

LOGAN SQUARE— Navigator Taproom, the city’s second pour-your-own beer bar, is shooting for a July 1 opening date at 2211 N. Milwaukee Ave. The Tribune has details about the date. Navigator joins Tapster in Wicker Park/Bucktown and Red Arrow Tap Room in suburban Elmhurst in bringing the pour-your-own trend to Chicagoland.

THE LOOP— Olive Mediterranean Grill is hiring for a new location at Randolph and Wabash. Check out their Facebook post. It’s the quick-serve chain’s sixth location.

Excited about location number 6! Randolph and Wabash.
Posted by Olive Mediterranean Grill on Tuesday, June 20, 2017

PORTAGE PARK— A nautical-themed sandwich shop is coming to the Northwest Side. It’s called Charley Noble and the owners told DNAinfo they hoped to open by the end of June at 6011 W. Irving Park Road.

RIVER NORTH— The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group’s new restaurant inside the ground floor of the Dana Hotel and Spa is hiring. There’s still not a lot of info on Portsmith. The Facebook page is mostly barren.

SOUTH LOOP— The second Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea will open on June 30 inside the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, joining Cindy’s, Cherry Circle Room, and Shake Shack. The first location opened in March in Wicker Park.

WEST LOOP— Slightly Toasted, the all-day bar that opened in January in the West Loop is opening a younger sibling in July, also in the West Loop. This job ad reveals the name of the new spot at 300 S. Riverside Plaza: Little Toasted. Despite the name, the space is actually larger than the original.

WEST LOOP— The first Bonci outside of Italy is hiring. The mecca for Roman-style pizza has selected Chicago as the first market outside of Europe. There will soon be only two places to get this pizza: Rome and Chicago at 161 N. Sangamon St. Maybe you can be their pizza chef.

WRIGLEYVILLE— This new bar in Wrigleyville appears to have no connection with Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Nevertheless, there’s a liquor application for an establishment called Rizzo’s Bar & Inn at 3658 N. Clark St. The owner is listed as Vincent Rizzo, so that’s not misleading at all.

DES PLAINES— A suburban bar is remodeling. The owners of Beacon Tap have started work and are urging folks to check out their Facebook page to check out progress at 1374 Lee St.

EVANSTON— The owner of Pono Ono Poke has shared a few more details on his upcoming restaurant at 1630 Chicago Ave. Jack DeMar said his restaurant isn’t a build-your-own fish bowl type deal. He writes, via email, that he feels the assembly line concept is better for burritos and other dishes. He’s focusing on chef-driven, marinated fish. The seafood will be flown in daily from Hawaii, he wrote. He’s shooting for a September open and will also feature fresh juices.

For a list of spring 2017’s updates, click here.

Epic Chicago Sandwiches to Eat Before You Die, 2017 Edition

2017-07-13T11:02:00-05:00

There's something magical about eating a good sandwich

Like many citizens of any great hard-working city, Chicagoans thrive and rely every day on the dependable sandwich. They're perfect to eat on the go, in the car, and great for a pick-me-up when you need to leave the office. This following represent some of the best in the city, many of them woven into Chicago's history. No, hamburgers, Polish sausages, and hot dogs weren't considered —though there are a few exceptions.

This year's list, in alphabetical order, adds a number of spots such as Irazu and Au Cheval. Do you have a favorite that we missed? Sound off in the comments.